Career Planning

Career planning is a lifelong process in selecting an occupation, locating career
opportunities, professionally developing one’s self in a career, and possibly changing
one’s career. It may happen once in your lifetime, but it is more likely to happen
several times as an individual gains experience and redefines his or her self due
a combination of their personal and/or career goals.

Career Planning: A Four Step Process The career planning process is comprised of four steps D.I.G.S. where one should consider seeking the expertise and services of a career development
professional to help through this process. Whether or not you choose to work with
a professional or on your own, the amount of energy and commitment you put into choosing
a career is important.

1. Discover(Self-Assessment) Self-Assessment is the first step of gathering information about yourself in order
to make an informed career decision. It is the first step of the Career Planning Process
and is often conducted with the help of a career development professional. These include:

Interests

Values

Roles

Skills/Aptitudes

Preferred Environments Developmental Needs Your realities

2. Investigate(Occupational Research, Interviews, and Experience)

Gathering career information is an important because it includes current information
about employment outlook, salary, related occupations, education and training, and
job duties.